Aprindo Voices Concern on Bekasi's Thug-Controlled Parking Spaces

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Retail businesses have voiced concerns about involving Bekasi’s minimarket parking service management woes, which allegedly is controlled by local thugs. An internet video that spread on November 4 showed members of a mass organization persuading minimarket organizers to leave parking services under their control. 

Deputy of the Indonesian Retailers Association (Aprindo), Tutum Rahanta voiced concern on the video that took place at Narogong Street, Bantargebang, in Bekasi City. He further regrets that the acts of the mass organization members were facilitated and witnessed by local authorities and administration. 

Tutum argues that the complicated issue is sparked by the lack of government rules overseeing parking services in the area. He then asked whether this matter deserves to be controlled by mass organizations as minimarket business management was not asked about the issue. 

“I am certain that this is not exclusively happening in the modern retail business. To be honest, we miss having a government that provides protection. Especially the case in the video happened in front of our very own state authority,” he said.

He argues that such instances will eventually create a negative investment climate in Indonesia and can potentially cancel or fend-off investments due to the risk it imposes on business safety and sustainability aspect. 

“We don’t have a problem with whether the parking services mandates some amount of fees. As long as the regulation is clear and is managed well. This is why we urge the government to be present in this issue,” he said.

Previously, former Indonesian Ambassador for Poland, Peter F. Gontha uploaded a video on his Facebook account that shows a rally initiated by mass organization members in Bekasi demanding minimarket businesses to provide parking services for its members.

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